Washington DC/New Delhi: Eight US lawmakers have now written to the Indian government to grant Umar Khalid a fair trial as per international law. This comes after newly sworn in mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani wrote a letter of support to Khalid, an accused in the North East Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.
Those who wrote the letter include Jim McGovern, a democrat and ranking member of the House Rules Committee and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. He represents the 2nd District of Massachusetts.
The letter was addressed to India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, as reported by news agency ANI.
McGovern and others had met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier in December, as per the letter.
“I met with the parents of Umar Khalid, who has been jailed in India for over 5 years without trial. Representative Raskin and I are leading our colleagues to urge that he be granted bail and a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law,” McGovern posted on X.
In the letter, the US lawmakers
wrote: “Umar Khalid has been detained without bail for 5 years under UAPA, which independent human rights experts have warned may contravene international standards of equality before the law, due process and proportionality…India must uphold the rights of individuals to receive a trial with reasonable time or to be released and be presumed innocent until proven guilty…We request that your government share steps taken to ensure that judicial proceedings against Khalid and co-accused who remain in detention comport with international standard.”
Congressman Jamie Raskin, senator Chris Van Hollen, senator Peter Welch, congresswoman Pramila Jaypal, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, congressman Jan Schakowsky and congressman Llyod Doggett are the others who signed the letter.
In a message from Mamdani, the NYC mayor remembering Khalid and his meeting with Khalid’s parents. The note was shared on social media by Khalid’s partner Banojyotsna.
“I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you,” Mamdani, who was sworn in on Thursday, wrote.
Khalid has been charge-sheeted in the riots conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His bail plea is pending before the Supreme Court. The Karkardooma Court in Delhi had recently granted him provisional bail to attend his sister’s wedding.